The Gamecocks return several key players to the offensive side of the ball, including quarterback Jake Bentley, running back Rico Dowdle, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards and tight end Hayden Hurst.

Defensively, South Carolina brings back its top two tacklers from 2016: Safety D.J. Smith and outside linebacker/defensive end Bryson Allen-Williams. Defensive backs Chris Lammons and JaMarcus King, both of whom had 3 interceptions a season ago, also return for coach Will Muschamp on the defensive side of the ball.